Lib Dems tackle spate of fly-tipping across the Borough

Bedford Borough Council is asking local residents to be vigilant after a sudden increase in the number of fly-tipped tyres in recent weeks.

Council Enforcement Officers have been called to various sites throughout the borough in recent weeks to reports of piles of dumped tyres, many of which have been found on disused land or rural roads and lay-bys.

Councillor Charles Royden, Liberal Democrat Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: "Fly-tipping is a public nuisance and blights our environment. It makes areas look unsightly and adds to the fear of crime. It also costs a great deal of local taxpayers' money to clear up.

"Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and I would ask anyone who thinks they may have seen fly-tipping of any sort to report it immediately. We will take action to prosecute those who seek to ruin our borough by dumping their rubbish wherever they like."

The council will be working with Bedfordshire Police and the Environment Agency to take swift action against those caught fly tipping. Anyone found guilty of fly-tipping at a Magistrates Court faces a fine of up to £50,000 and 12 month imprisonment. However, if a case goes to the Crown Court, fines are unlimited and a prison sentence of up to 5 years can be awarded.

It is also important to remember you can still be prosecuted if you use someone else to remove your waste for you. You must check they are Registered Waste Carriers with the Environment Agency and also make sure you know where your waste is going. Your waste is your responsibility.

If you would like to report a problem relating to fly-tipping, please contact the Council by calling 0800 121 8888, or by visiting to report on line at www.bedford.gov.uk

When reporting we will ask you for the following information:

1. The date, time and place that you saw the fly tip (any extra information you can give us about the location will help us to investigate and remove the fly tip more quickly).

2. What has been fly tipped and an estimate of how much there is.

3. Your contact details (in case our Officers have trouble locating the fly tip).

Notes

Dumped tyres have been found dumped at different points throughout the borough, including a lay-by on the A6 near Turvey and Odell Road, outside Harrold.

Bedford Borough Council is responsible for removing fly tipping, or dumped rubbish, from public land. Public land includes roads, pavements, council-owned car parks, parks, recreation areas and lay-bys